ODOT Awards Transportation
Coordination FundingGrants Improve Quality of Life for the Elderly,
Disabled and Low Income

Columbus Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Director Gordon Proctor today announced the department's Ohio
Coordination Program will allocate $1.3 million among 19 counties
throughout the state this year. This ODOT funding, will be used for
operating costs of transportation projects in an effort to enhance and
expand transportation services in Ohio counties with no public
transportation system.

"People who do not have access to transportation can benefit
from programs supported by this funding to get to work and medical
appointments and to make other necessary trips," said Proctor.
"This funding provides important services to many of Ohio's rural
communities."

ODOT provides funding to public entities through the Ohio
Coordination Program to assist in the coordination of transportation
services among local human service agencies. The primary goals of the
program are to enhance and expand existing transportation resources
and to reduce duplication through coordination.

"In the 28 counties in Ohio without public transportation
service, this funding can serve as a valuable resource," said
Proctor. "During this time of fiscal constraints experienced by
most organizations, it just makes sense to efficiently use resources
already available. By being more efficient, transportation services
can reach people who have no other alternative."

ODOT has administered the Ohio Coordination Program since 1996, and
since that time the department has awarded $6.4 million to 37
projects. Information about this year's Ohio Coordination Program
funding by county is provided in the chart below.